Monday, September 3, 2012

Michael "Iron Man" Burks Show of Strength

Believe it or not, Henry and I absolutely HATE doing tribute
shows. We love doing shows where we can showcase an artist, but a tribute show
just reminds us of the life and artistry that we’ve recently lost. Far too many
of the giants of blues have come to the end of their journey, and while we
still have their music – brief songs that give us a glimpse into their very
soul – we don’t have the artists themselves anymore.

But since we like to celebrate a person’s life New Orleans
style, strike up the band and let’s toast another of our great fallen
colleagues, Michael “Iron Man” Burks who has left us too soon. Burks suffered a
fatal heart attack at the age of 54 after returning to the states from a European
tour. Burks’ final album, now available on Alligator Records is titled “Show of
Strength” and his deep soulful voice is perfectly complimented by his exciting
guitar pyrotechnics.

From the driving intro on the first song, “Count On You” to
the last notes of “Feel Like Going Home” this album rocks and rocks hard. “Count
On You” is one of those great laments of both blues and country – that person
who always lets you down, but you just can’t walk away. He immediately follows
this up with a plea “To Take A Chance On Me, Baby.” His vocals are silky smooth
and this is a great soulful ballad.

Burks is backed up by a solid band that includes Wayne Sharp
on organ, piano, and backing vocals; Terrence Grayson on bass and backing
vocals, and Chuck “Popcorn” Louden on drums and backing vocals. This tight core
is joined by guests Roosevelt Purifoy who adds his keys on three sides and
Scott Dirks on harp for one song.

Burks picks up the pace a little with “Storm Warning,” a
reminder that there is always a storm brewing out there and we need to be
ready. He then asks “Can You Read Between The Lines” and tell when your woman
is stepping out on you. “Cross Eyed Woman” gives Sharp a chance to lay down
some strong sounds on the organ and it gives the song a darker edge.

“Little Juke Joint” is not about Professor Johnny P’s Juke
Joint – but the story of that little place we all like to remember – the spot
that brought us all into the life. I might have to adopt it as my theme song. “24
Hour Blues” follows and slows the tempo down nicely. He follows up with the
soaring “Valley Of Tears.”

Burks really brings it down with “Since I’ve Been Loving You
Baby.” You can feel his anguish in every note. He follows up with the
optimistic “I Want To Get You Back.” Of course since the course of true love
never runs smooth, there’s another follow up in which Burks wonders “What Does
It Take To Please You.”

He then brings the CD to a close with the Charlie Rich side,
“Feel Like Going Home.” All in all, an amazing collection that while it is
satisfying artistically still leaves the question, “what if.” I wish we had an
answer because it’s obvious that Burks was really coming into his own as a
confident singer-player-songwriter.

“Iron Man,” we’re going to miss you, but your music will
live on and will always be on the Juke Box.

(Picture of Michael Burks was artfully purloined from his
website. http://www.michaelburks.com
If you are the copyright holder and want us to take it down, please notify us
and we’ll reluctantly do so.)